Best Scenic Drives Near Crescent City, Brookings, and the Redwood Coast

Why Scenic Driving Works So Well on the Redwood Coast

The Redwood Coast is not built around one single attraction. Its beauty is spread across forests, rivers, beaches, scenic corridors, state parks, national and state park lands, harbors, overlooks, small communities, and wildlife habitat.

Driving connects these areas. A scenic-drive day can be adapted to weather, energy level, children's needs, mobility, daylight, wildlife activity, and restaurant plans.

Travelers can stop frequently or remain in the vehicle for most of the day.

Howland Hill Road

Howland Hill Road is one of the most immersive redwood drives near Crescent City. It passes through Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park in the northern portion of Redwood National and State Parks. The route is approximately ten miles long and is primarily narrow and unpaved.

The National Park Service describes it as a road where the redwoods come extremely close to the vehicle and advises that recreational vehicles, trucks, and vehicles towing trailers are too wide for it.

What Makes Howland Hill Road Special?

Many major highways pass beside redwood forests. Howland Hill Road travels directly through them. The road feels narrow because large trees stand close to the roadway, the route winds through dense forest, shoulders are limited, visibility may be restricted around curves, and passing space can be limited.

The slower pace is part of the experience. This is not a road to rush.

How Long Does Howland Hill Road Take?

The National Park Service generally recommends allowing approximately 45 to 90 minutes for the drive, depending on traffic, stops, and road conditions.

Travelers may need more time if they stop for photographs, walk a trail, wait for another vehicle to pass, encounter maintenance work, travel after rain, visit Stout Grove or the Grove of Titans area, or have young children.

A leisurely half-day may be more enjoyable than treating the road as a shortcut.

Which Vehicles Should Avoid Howland Hill Road?

• Recreational vehicles.
• Trailers.
• Large trucks.
• Wide vans.
• Drivers uncomfortable with narrow roads.
• Drivers who dislike unpaved surfaces.
• Vehicles with limited clearance when conditions are poor.

Is Howland Hill Road Paved?

Only portions of the route are paved. Official park directions describe the road as becoming unpaved after entering Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park and continuing through the forest before connecting with other local roads.

• Dust during dry weather.
• Mud after rain.
• Potholes.
• Washboarding.
• Fallen branches.
• Standing water.
• Narrow passing areas.

Drive slowly and follow current closure or maintenance signs.

Howland Hill Road Safety

Suggested Stops Along Howland Hill Road

• Stout Memorial Grove.
• Grove of Titans.
• Smith River viewpoints.
• Short forest walks.
• Photography stops.
• Picnic areas.
• Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park facilities.

Parking may be limited at some trailheads, and RVs or trailers may not be permitted in certain areas. Do not park outside designated areas.

Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway

Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway is one of the premier paved redwood drives in Northern California. It runs through Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park and extends for approximately ten miles through old-growth redwood forest.

The National Park Service states that vehicles of any size may use the parkway and recommends allowing at least twenty minutes without stops, although most visitors should plan considerably longer.

Why Leave Highway 101?

Travelers driving only on Highway 101 may miss some of the most impressive old-growth scenery. Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway exits the main highway and travels directly through the heart of Prairie Creek's redwood forest.

The National Park Service encourages visitors with only one opportunity to see redwoods not to miss this drive. The road later reconnects with Highway 101.

How Long Should You Allow?

The parkway itself may be driven in approximately twenty minutes without stopping. A more realistic visit may take:

Roosevelt Elk Along the Parkway

The parkway passes through Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, one of the region's strongest Roosevelt elk habitats. Visitors may see elk near Elk Prairie, meadow edges, visitor-center areas, forest openings, and nearby roads.

Elk sightings are never guaranteed. If elk appear:

• Use designated parking.
• Remain at least 25 yards away.
• Use binoculars.
• Keep children close.
• Keep pets controlled.
• Never block the road.
• Do not approach for photographs.

Recommended Stops on Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway

• Prairie Creek Visitor Center.
• Elk Prairie.
• Big Tree Wayside.
• Trillium Falls area.
• Prairie Creek Trail access.
• Short redwood walks.
• Picnic areas.
• Wildlife-viewing locations.

The Prairie Creek Visitor Center is located directly on Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway and is a useful starting point for trails, elk viewing, and redwood exploration. Confirm current hours before relying on visitor-center services.

U.S. Highway 101 Between Crescent City and Brookings

The stretch of U.S. Highway 101 between Crescent City and Brookings provides a convenient coastal drive near White Rock Resort. Depending on the direction and selected stops, travelers may experience Pacific Ocean views, forested hills, Smith River country, beaches, state recreation sites, Brookings Harbor, Harris Beach, coastal headlands, and small communities.

This route is paved and generally appropriate for standard passenger vehicles, larger vehicles, and RVs, although individual pullouts and side roads may have limitations.

Best Stops Between Crescent City and Brookings

• Coastal viewpoints.
• Smith River overlooks.
• Public beaches.
• Harbor areas.
• Harris Beach State Park.
• Winchuck River area.
• McVay Rock.
• Brookings Harbor.
• Downtown Brookings.
• Chetco River viewpoints.

The south end of Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor begins only a few miles north of Harris Beach, allowing travelers to extend the drive beyond Brookings.

Crescent City to Brookings as a Half-Day Drive

This route works well for families, older adults, rainy days, travelers who prefer short walks, and guests arriving or departing that day.

Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor

Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor is one of the most dramatic coastal drives in Southern Oregon. The corridor follows approximately twelve miles of Highway 101 between Brookings and Gold Beach and contains a series of scenic viewpoints, beaches, forested trails, and offshore rock formations.

Why Samuel H. Boardman Is Special

The corridor feels like a sequence of separate scenic experiences rather than one single park. Drivers may stop at multiple waysides along Highway 101. Some stops offer immediate overlooks, picnic tables, short walks, beach access, and elevated ocean views.

Oregon State Parks describes the corridor as a series of scenic waysides, with some providing picnic tables and exceptional ocean views.

How Long Should You Allow?

The road segment itself is relatively short. However, scenic stops can easily fill two to three hours, half a day, or a full day.

Time depends on the number of stops, trail length, photography, weather, parking availability, beach access, crowds, and children's needs.

Do not attempt every stop in one rushed visit. Choose several and return another day if time permits.

Popular Samuel H. Boardman Stops

• Arch Rock.
• Natural Bridges.
• Secret Beach access areas.
• Thunder Rock Cove.
• Indian Sands.
• Cape Ferrelo.
• House Rock viewpoints.
• Whaleshead area.
• Lone Ranch Beach.

Access, parking, and trail conditions can change. Some locations require steep or uneven walking. Remain on established trails.

Natural Bridges Safety

Samuel H. Boardman Vehicle Considerations

Highway 101 is paved and suitable for most vehicles. However:

• Some pullouts are small.
• Parking may fill.
• Turning space may be limited.
• Large RVs may not fit comfortably at every stop.
• Drivers should avoid abrupt braking.
• Pedestrians may cross near trailheads.
• Fog may reduce visibility.

If a parking area is full, continue to another stop rather than parking illegally.

Smith River and U.S. Highway 199

U.S. Highway 199 travels northeast from Crescent City through Smith River country toward Hiouchi and beyond. This route offers river views, forested canyon scenery, access to Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, swimming and picnic areas during suitable conditions, connections to Howland Hill Road, short forest trails, and mountain and river landscapes.

This drive contrasts with the exposed coastal scenery found north of Brookings.

Why the Smith River Route Is Worth Driving

The Smith River is known for clear water and forested surroundings. Depending on season and conditions, visitors may enjoy:

• Scenic pullouts.
• River photography.
• Forest walks.
• Picnicking.
• Wildlife observation.
• Summer river access.
• Fall color in surrounding vegetation.
• Rainy-day forest scenery.

Water conditions can be dangerous. Never assume a calm-looking river is safe for swimming or wading.

Suggested Smith River Drive

1. Depart White Rock Resort.
2. Travel toward Crescent City.
3. Continue east on U.S. Highway 199.
4. Stop at legal river viewpoints.
5. Visit an appropriate Jedediah Smith trail.
6. Return by the same route or connect with Howland Hill Road if the vehicle and conditions are suitable.

Howland Hill Road should only be added after confirming that the driver and vehicle are appropriate for its narrow, mostly unpaved conditions.

Bald Hills Road

Bald Hills Road travels through the southern portion of Redwood National and State Parks. The National Park Service describes it as a scenic drive into high hills and open prairies, with opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, wildlife viewing, historic barns, and broad landscapes.

Is Bald Hills Road for Everyone?

No. The route may include narrow sections, curves, unpaved portions, limited services, remote areas, changing weather, weak or unavailable cell service, and seasonal road issues.

The National Park Service suggests allowing two to six hours, depending on the extent of the drive and planned activities. Travelers should confirm current road conditions before leaving.

Who May Enjoy Bald Hills Road?

The drive may appeal to:

• Wildlife photographers.
• Birdwatchers.
• Travelers seeking less-visited scenery.
• Experienced scenic-road drivers.
• History enthusiasts.
• Visitors with a full day available.
• Guests comfortable in remote areas.

It may be less suitable for:

• Large RVs.
• Drivers uncomfortable with narrow roads.
• Travelers with very limited time.
• Visitors driving in poor weather.
• Anyone without adequate fuel.

Crescent City to Prairie Creek and Orick

The drive south from Crescent City toward Prairie Creek and Orick offers a combination of coastal views, redwood forest, highway scenery, prairie habitat, elk-viewing opportunities, visitor centers, and trail access.

Travelers can leave Highway 101 for Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway and later reconnect with the highway.

Redwood National and State Parks do not have a single entrance gate; many attractions and facilities are distributed along Highway 101, Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, and surrounding roads.

Suggested Crescent City to Prairie Creek Day

This drive combines redwoods, wildlife, and scenic roads without requiring a difficult backcountry route.

Brookings to Cape Sebastian

Travelers wishing to continue north beyond Samuel H. Boardman may drive toward Cape Sebastian. Oregon State Parks describes Cape Sebastian as having parking viewpoints more than 200 feet above sea level, with expansive coastal views that may extend many miles under clear conditions.

• Samuel H. Boardman viewpoints.
• Gold Beach.
• Elevated ocean vistas.
• Coastal forest.
• Whale-watching opportunities.
• Long-distance photography.

This is better suited to a full day than a short outing.

Best Scenic Drive for First-Time Visitors

This drive provides a concentrated old-growth experience close to the resort. For travelers who prefer paved roads, substitute a normal Highway 199 and Jedediah Smith route without entering Howland Hill Road.

Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway

Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway is generally the best choice for travelers seeking old-growth redwoods, paved driving, easy access, larger vehicle suitability, short trails, elk habitat, and picnic opportunities.

Howland Hill Road

Howland Hill Road offers the most intimate driving experience because the narrow road passes directly between enormous redwoods. It is best for standard passenger vehicles, confident drivers, dry or stable conditions, travelers comfortable driving slowly, and visitors who do not mind dust or mud.

It is not suitable for RVs, large trucks, or trailers.

Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor

Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor is one of the strongest coastal-driving choices. It provides rocky headlands, ocean overlooks, sea stacks, trail options, beaches, picnic areas, and photography opportunities.

Best Drive for Families

A family-friendly scenic-drive day may include:

• Crescent City.
• Smith River viewpoints.
• Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.
• One short trail.
• A picnic.
• A harbor stop.
• Return to White Rock Resort.

Families should avoid overloading the day with too many stops. Children often enjoy giant trees, river views, wildlife spotting, picnic areas, short walks, and beach breaks.

Best Drive for Older Adults

Older travelers may prefer:

• Highway 101.
• Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway.
• Brookings Harbor.
• Samuel H. Boardman overlooks with nearby parking.
• Smith River scenic pullouts.
• Crescent City Harbor.

These routes allow substantial sightseeing without requiring long hikes. Confirm restrooms, parking, seating, path surfaces, accessibility, and current facility hours.

Best Drive for Limited Mobility

A scenic-drive itinerary can be one of the best ways for travelers with limited mobility to experience the coast and redwoods.

• Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway.
• Crescent City Harbor.
• Brookings Harbor.
• Highway 101 viewpoints.
• Accessible coastal overlooks.
• Visitor-center stops.
• Smith River pullouts.

Accessibility varies by individual stop. Research each location before departure.

Best Rainy-Day Scenic Drive

Light rain can make the redwoods appear especially vivid. A practical rainy-day route may include Crescent City, U.S. Highway 199, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, short stops at developed viewpoints, lunch in Crescent City, and harbor viewing.

Avoid:

• Forest roads during high winds.
• Cliff areas during heavy rain.
• Howland Hill Road if conditions appear poor.
• Flooded routes.
• Beach access during high surf.

Best Photography Drive

Do not rush between locations. Good light and safe parking matter more than the number of stops.

Best Wildlife Scenic Drive

A wildlife-focused route may include:

• White Rock Resort ocean viewing.
• Crescent City Harbor.
• Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway.
• Elk Prairie.
• Orick.
• Coastal overlooks.

Possible wildlife includes:

• Roosevelt elk.
• Deer.
• Eagles.
• Osprey.
• Pelicans.
• Cormorants.
• Seals.
• Sea lions.
• Whales.
• Shorebirds.

Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

Scenic Driving With Children

Before leaving:

Children may become more engaged when asked to look for the largest tree, a river, an elk, a waterfall, a bridge, a sea stack, a pelican, a redwood stump, fog, or a lighthouse.

Scenic Driving With Dogs

• Confirm pet rules at every stop.
• Keep the dog leashed.
• Bring water.
• Carry waste bags.
• Never leave the dog in a hot vehicle.
• Keep away from elk.
• Avoid nesting birds.
• Prevent barking at wildlife.
• Check trail restrictions.

Pets are permitted in some developed areas and road corridors but may be prohibited from many park trails.

Scenic Driving in Fog

Fog is common along the Northern California and Southern Oregon coast. When fog develops:

• Reduce speed.
• Use low-beam headlights.
• Increase following distance.
• Avoid unnecessary passing.
• Watch for wildlife.
• Expect cyclists and pedestrians.
• Use pullouts safely.
• Do not stop in the roadway.
• Avoid cliffside walks with poor visibility.

Fog may improve forest photography but reduce ocean views. Be willing to change the itinerary.

Scenic Driving in Rain

Rain may create:

• Reduced visibility.
• Standing water.
• Mud.
• Fallen branches.
• Rockfall.
• Slippery roads.
• Flooded low areas.
• Poor trail conditions.

Drivers should:

• Slow down.
• Keep headlights on.
• Avoid sudden braking.
• Increase following distance.
• Confirm road conditions.
• Avoid crossing water.
• Respect closure signs.
• Carry emergency supplies.

Scenic Driving During High Winds

High winds are especially important in redwood forests and on coastal headlands. Potential hazards include falling branches, falling trees, road debris, vehicle instability, dangerous surf, and reduced control on exposed roads.

During wind warnings:

• Avoid forest drives.
• Avoid parking beneath large trees.
• Avoid cliff edges.
• Follow park and weather advisories.
• Choose indoor activities when necessary.

Checking Current Road Conditions

Before leaving White Rock Resort, check:

Oregon's TripCheck system provides current road, traffic, weather, incident, camera, and restriction information for Oregon routes. Conditions can change quickly.

Fuel and Services

Do not begin a long remote drive with a nearly empty fuel tank. Before traveling toward Bald Hills Road, Gold Bluffs Beach, remote Boardman stops, or less-developed redwood roads, confirm:

• Fuel level.
• Food.
• Water.
• Restrooms.
• Mobile service.
• Daylight.
• Route length.

Services may be limited outside Crescent City, Brookings, and other communities.

Mobile Service and Navigation

Cellular coverage may be limited in redwood forests, river canyons, remote coastal areas, Bald Hills, Samuel H. Boardman trailheads, and portions of Highway 199.

Before leaving:

• Download maps.
• Save addresses.
• Screenshot directions.
• Tell someone the route.
• Carry a paper map.
• Bring a charged portable battery.

Do not depend entirely on live navigation.

Parking Safely

Use only:

• Designated parking areas.
• Legal pullouts.
• Trailhead parking.
• Visitor-center lots.
• Public waysides.

Do not park:

• In travel lanes.
• On blind curves.
• In private driveways.
• On fragile vegetation.
• In front of gates.
• On narrow shoulders.
• Where signs prohibit stopping.

If a parking area is full, continue to another location.

Photography From the Road

Never photograph while driving. The driver must keep attention on curves, wildlife, pedestrians, cyclists, road surfaces, and oncoming traffic.

For photography:

• Use a designated pullout.
• Park completely.
• Check traffic before opening doors.
• Remain away from the roadway.
• Keep children supervised.
• Avoid cliff edges.
• Use a passenger as the photographer when appropriate.

Do Not Rush a Scenic Drive

The purpose is not to complete every road. Choose fewer places and spend more time at each.

A relaxed drive allows travelers to notice wildlife, enjoy changing light, stop safely, take short walks, eat without rushing, adapt to weather, and avoid fatigue.

Sample Half-Day Northern Redwood Drive

Sample Full-Day Redwood Drive

This is a long day and should only be attempted when the group is comfortable with substantial driving.

Sample Brookings Coastal Drive

Sample Samuel H. Boardman Day

Do not attempt every trail or overlook in one day.

Sample Accessible Scenic Drive

Sample Rainy-Day Drive

Avoid remote unpaved roads during severe weather.

Questions to Ask Before a Scenic Drive

Common Scenic-Driving Mistakes

Best General Recommendation for White Rock Resort Guests

For a first scenic-driving experience, choose one of these two options:

These routes provide very different experiences and are best enjoyed on separate days.

Scenic Drives Near Crescent City and Brookings

Plan the Experience, Not Just the Mileage

Do not evaluate a scenic drive only by the distance shown on a map. A ten-mile route may take an hour or more because of narrow roads, photography, wildlife, trail stops, limited parking, fog, road conditions, and slow-moving vehicles.

Plan scenic drives by experience rather than mileage. Choose one primary route. Add only a few stops. Leave enough time to sit quietly beneath the redwoods, watch the ocean, or wait for fog to move through the trees.

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